Winchester Model 101 Lightweight 27″ WinChoke 20 GA O/U Over Under Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $2875
LSB#: 211130RH05
Make: Winchester
Model: 101 Lightweight
Serial Number: K283845E
Year of Manufacture: 1972-1987
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” & 3″ Shells
Action Type: Top-Break Over/Under Shotgun with Single Selective Trigger (mechanical) and Ejectors
Markings: The left side of the top barrel is marked “WINCHESTER MODEL 101 “Lightweight” – 20 GA. WINCHOKE / 2 3/4″ & 3″ EAST ALTON IL. U.S.A.”. Each barrel has a Winchester Proof on the left just forward of the monoblock, the left of the monoblock has a “W/C” marking at each chamber (WinChoke). The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN JAPAN”. The bottom of the bottom barrel is marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The monoblock is marked “283845?. The barrel lug is marked “20-3” in oval. The receiver has foliate scroll engraving surrounding game bird scenes on each side and the bottom with the motif continued on the lever, guard and exposed portions of the forend iron. The bottom of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER” in oval surrounded by foliate scroll engraving. The top tang is marked “K283845E”. The water table has a “WP” in oval proof. The forend hardware is marked “283845” and the inside wood is stamped “3845”.
Barrel Length: 27”, Vent-Rib
Choke: The barrels are threaded for WinChokes. Improved Cylinder over Cylinder are installed. Full and Modified are also included.
Sights / Optics: There is a white bead in a base at the front of the rib and a smaller white mid-bead. The top of the rib is serrated to reduce glare.
Weight: 6 lb., 10 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with finger-grooved forend, pistol grip, straight comb and black rubber Decelerator buttpad. The stocks have a few scattered minor nicks and scuffs. There is a tiny crack at the rear edge of the top tang. There are a few compressed checkers, most notable in the bottom-front of the forend. Otherwise, the checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips. The drop at comb measures approximately 1 3/8″, drop at heel 2 1/8″. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad, 12 1/4″ to the back of the wood, likely indicating that the stock has been cut. The pad has minor wear and is still fairly supple. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-plus condition.
An additional buttstock is included. The buttstock is similar in design to the installed stock, but has a brown rubber Winchester buttpad and it is about 1 1/4″ longer. The additional buttstock has a few nicks on the bottom edge of the grip. Otherwise, it shows only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp and there are no chips or cracks. Overall, the additional stock is in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with a strong slot. The pin heads are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes with the additional stock as described, a Briley plastic choke case which holds the additional chokes and a choke wrench.
Our Assessment: The iconic Model 101 is a shotgun with legendary styling and handling and the unquestionable reliability you expect from Winchester firearms. Much like Browning with their Citori line, Winchester found a Japanese firm which was capable of manufacturing durable, high quality, and beautiful guns. The engraving pattern on the Kodensha made Model 101 is even somewhat similar to that of the Miroku made Citoris. This shotgun is a 101 Lightweight, coming in just over six and a half pounds. The gun features white bead sights on its 27″ vent-rib barrels, coin finished receiver engraved with game birds, and a single selective trigger. The barrels are threaded for WinChokes with a nice assortment included, so it should be a very versatile hunting or sporting gun. The stock has been cut with a length of pull of 13″, so it would be suitable for those with smaller frames or junior shooters who are getting into hunting or clay shooting. A full-length stock is also included. This example is in Excellent condition with little sign of use. If you’re looking for a 20 gauge for birds of the flesh or clay variety, you won’t do much better than this. Please see our photos and good luck!